Polyurethane in construction
Polyurethane (PUR or PU) is a polymer formed by the reaction of isocyanates and polyols. Fully cured polyurethane products are inert and non-toxic.
The properties of polyurethane are influenced by the types of isocyanates and polyols used to make them. They can range from tough or rigid materials, through to flexible materials.
Polyurethane can be used to make products that are both strong and lightweight, as well as being durable and highly versatile. It is a key ingredient in several types of high-efficiency insulation materials (such as rigid foam insulation panels), For more information, see Polyurethane spray foam in structurally insulated panels and composite structures.
It is also used for paints and other coatings, microcellular foam seals and gaskets, wheels and tyres, sealants, binders and adhesives.
[edit] Related articles on Designing Buildings Wiki
- Composites.
- Cork flooring.
- Curtain wall systems.
- Expanding foam.
- Nylon.
- Plastic.
- Polycarbonate plastic.
- Polyethylene.
- Polymeric flooring.
- Polymers.
- Polystyrene.
- Polyurethane spray foam in structurally insulated panels and composite structures.
- Polyvinyl chloride PVC.
- Rubber.
- Sealants.
- Using CO2 to make construction products and materials.
Featured articles and news
Great British Energy install solar on school and NHS sites
200 schools and 200 NHS sites to get solar systems, as first project of the newly formed government initiative.
600 million for 60,000 more skilled construction workers
Announced by Treasury ahead of the Spring Statement.
The restoration of the novelist’s birthplace in Eastwood.
Life Critical Fire Safety External Wall System LCFS EWS
Breaking down what is meant by this now often used term.
PAC report on the Remediation of Dangerous Cladding
Recommendations on workforce, transparency, support, insurance, funding, fraud and mismanagement.
New towns, expanded settlements and housing delivery
Modular inquiry asks if new towns and expanded settlements are an effective means of delivering housing.
Building Engineering Business Survey Q1 2025
Survey shows growth remains flat as skill shortages and volatile pricing persist.
Construction contract awards remain buoyant
Infrastructure up but residential struggles.
Home builders call for suspension of Building Safety Levy
HBF with over 100 home builders write to the Chancellor.
CIOB Apprentice of the Year 2024/2025
CIOB names James Monk a quantity surveyor from Cambridge as the winner.
Warm Homes Plan and existing energy bill support policies
Breaking down what existing policies are and what they do.
Treasury responds to sector submission on Warm Homes
Trade associations call on Government to make good on manifesto pledge for the upgrading of 5 million homes.
A tour through Robotic Installation Systems for Elevators, Innovation Labs, MetaCore and PORT tech.
A dynamic brand built for impact stitched into BSRIA’s building fabric.
BS 9991:2024 and the recently published CLC advisory note
Fire safety in the design, management and use of residential buildings. Code of practice.